The successor to the Tecno Phantom V Flip has appeared on FCC and the schematics found inside the documents reveal a change that we think will be received quite well. They also detail an improved battery. Here is a closer look alongside the original model for comparison:
Phantom V2 Flip (FCC) • Phantom V Flip
Yes, it looks like the Tecno Phantom V2 Flip will use a rectangular display. That may look a bit more boring than the circular display of its predecessor, but it is noticeably more practical, since it places fewer restrictions on the app and widgets that can be displayed on...
Below is an image showing off the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 that came from Samsung’s Kazakhstan website. It shows the two new foldables from only one angle, but it’s enough to give us a feel for the design.
In short, nothing much has changed. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 does look like its has less rounding on its corners than the Z Fold5 did. This matches up with the live image shared by Ice Universe a few days ago. You can see the same in this image.
Samsung allegedly slimmed down the bezels to achieve a 22:9 aspect ratio on the cover display instead of the 23.1:9 of the 2023...
Below is an image showing off the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 that came from Samsung’s Kazakhstan website. It shows the two new foldables from only one angle, but it’s enough to give us a feel for the design.
In short, nothing much has changed. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 does look like its has less rounding on its corners than the Z Fold5 did. This matches up with the live image shared by Ice Universe a few days ago. You can see the same in this image.
Samsung allegedly slimmed down the bezels to achieve a 22:9 aspect ratio on the cover display instead of the 23.1:9 of the 2023...
Oppo believes that smartphones will become the most important personal AI devices and it has taken on a mission to bring AI to the masses through them – Oppo has committed to bringing AI to all its smartphone product lines and aims to have 50 million users by the end of this year.
The company is working on AI tech in-house, but has also partnered with the likes of Google, Microsoft, MediaTek and others to deliver a wide variety of experiences. Oppo has already filed over 5,000 patents related to AI, around 70% of which are in the field of AI imaging.
This isn’t just talk either, this...
The Xiaomi Redmi 13 is official – officially, this time. A couple of days ago, a store in Portugal started selling the phone, even though Xiaomi hadn’t presented it to the world just yet. Anyway, let’s have another look at what makes this special.
The Redmi 13 is the first in the family with a 108MP camera
This is the first model in the Redmi number series to feature a 108MP main camera. It is based on the Samsung ISOCELL HM6, a 1/1.67” sensor with 9-in-1 pixel binning, which also gives it 3x in-sensor zoom. Additionally, the selfie camera was upgraded to a 13MP sensor, up from...
I’ve long been a fan of Acer’s excellent Orion gaming desktop line, and here at Computex 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan, I think Acer has just outdone itself. The Predator Orion X is a more compact - but no less powerful - version of Acer’s staple gaming PC, with a slick new design and some impressive specs.
With a 15.4-liter chassis and a total package weight of less than 9 kilograms, this is one of the smallest (if not the smallest) gaming desktops Acer has ever made. It measures just 25.6 x 17.8 x 33.5cm, but that small form factor case doesn’t sacrifice performance to save space; instead, the internals of this PC are smartly designed to make maximum use of the available room inside the case.
(Image credit: Future)
The interior of the chassis is neatly split into three zones: one for the CPU and mainboard, one for the graphics card, and one for the fans and AIO radiator.
Don’t be fooled by the cramped design, though - this is no Corsair One, where space-saving comes at the cost of easy upgradability. Acer designed the Orion X with PC DIY in mind, so accessing these three zones is actually incredibly simple.
Hot swap
On the front of the Orion X, there are three chunky release levers. Pull one, and off pops the corresponding zone panel, making upgrading or repairing a component a cinch. When you’re done, the panels slot back into place easily with no tools required. You can optionally cover the front of the case with a transparent panel, too.
I like that the industrial aesthetic of the Orion X’s exterior makes these release levers blend seamlessly into its visual design. The style might not be for everyone, but I personally love it; the use of RGB here is relatively understated, and the large ‘ZONE 2’ printed on the side evokes a certain genre of sci-fi dystopia that I’ve been known to enjoy.
(Image credit: Future)
It gets better, though. On the front panel of the Orion X, a small flap opens up to reveal a slot containing a swappable M.2 SSD enclosure. Not only is it extra storage in general, which is never a bad thing, but it’s a boon for PC gamers who like to take their games on the go with them.
This alleviates the need for a portable SSD or a USB converter - you can simply take one of the best SSDs and slap a whole PC’s worth of games into this system in an instant. It’s potentially very handy if you’re buying the Orion X as an upgrade to an existing system, too; just extract your old SSD and drop it straight in here.
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
The tiny interior does mean that you may be limited in some areas when it comes to switching out certain components, but it's likely you'll never need to.
After all, the RTX 4090 is pretty future-proof. The only possible issue I can see here is if the AIO cooler fails, you'll need to specifically buy another one that fits perfectly - there's no room for a tower air cooler here.
Power under the hood
Despite its small size, the Acer Predator Orion X is packing a seriously respectable spec sheet. Acer has managed to cram a twin-fan RTX 4090 card of its own design inside this PC, so gaming performance is just about as good as it can get. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM (upgradable up to 64GB) and a 2TB PCIe SSD as standard, the GPU is well-supported.
One slightly odd choice here is the CPU, which is an Intel Core i9-13900KS. It’s a very powerful chip, no doubt about that, but I was surprised to find that the Orion X doesn’t use the newer i9-14900K, especially considering that chip has been on the market for months at this point. But then again, the 14th-gen desktop chips were merely a refresh of the 13th-gen Raptor Lake microarchitecture, and we noted in our review that the generational performance gains were next to unnoticeable, so perhaps this was just a smart move from Acer to help keep the price down.
(Image credit: Future)
Speaking of price: the Orion X was actually announced at last year’s Computex, and has already been available to buy in the UK for a few months, albeit a less powerful model sporting an RTX 4080 instead of Nvidia’s flagship 4090 GPU. We don’t have official pricing for this new iteration, but given the current £3,299 price (around US$4,210 / AU$6,330), we can reasonably expect it to be less than £4,000 in the UK.
As for when it’ll arrive on the other side of the Atlantic, that’s not quite clear at this point. While researching, I found some Acer documentation that suggested it was originally slated for launch in the US in September of 2023, but that evidently didn’t happen, so we might be waiting a little longer for an American release. I certainly hope Acer gets its act together and gives us a proper global release soon, because this is one of the best compact PCs I’ve seen in ages.
The GT Book is Infinix's first foray into the gaming notebook segment. The company recently launched the model in the Indian market at, as is usual for the brand, a very attractive price, starting at INR 59,990 or approximately $720.
As it happens, we have the very same base model with us for testing, which features an Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. It also features a 16-inch 1200p 120Hz display, 16GB memory, 512GB of storage, 210W charging, and lots of RGB LEDs. Let's see how it performs.
Unboxing
The GT Book comes in standard packaging...
While the MSI Vector 17 HX isn't going to win any awards for its physical design, this portable has all the performance necessary to stand with some of the best gaming laptops on the market.
Priced at $2,299 / £2,399 / AU$3,099 for a version sporting an RTX 4070 graphics card, it's more costly than many of its rivals. And when you consider that alongside the build quality comprises here (which we'll discuss in more depth later), sadly this means this MSI notebook doesn't quite achieve top marks - but it's still a decent machine.
That's because the MSI Vector 17 HX still largely justifies its higher-than-average price tag by including an excellent Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a superfast Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD so you've got a wealth of power at your fingertips. The bottleneck, therefore, becomes the GPU, given the laptop's native 2,560 x 1,600 resolution 16:10 display. So, while we were sent the RTX 4070 variant for review, you may want to consider the RTX 4080 model for a power boost.
The 17-inch display unfortunately lacks any kind of HDR support which is a real shame. The IPS LED screen is bright enough at 500 nits, but looks a little washed out, especially when factoring in that some of its competitors are utilizing mini-LED and even OLED. Fortunately, with its 240Hz refresh rate, it's fast enough for you not to necessarily mind all that much.
Speaking of that refresh rate, though, you won't necessarily be able to hit frame rates that can fully take advantage of it, given the 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM on board the mobile RTX 4070 - especially at 1440p. However, if you're smart with your settings sliders in 1080p, you can expect framerates of around 100fps. 1440p hovers around the 60fps mark, although DLSS 3's Frame Generation will be able to provide a shot in the arm, at least where it's supported.
Furthermore, the MSI Vector 17 HX doesn't buck the trend of gaming laptops having less-than-stellar battery lives. Its four-cell 99Wh battery pack is decent enough for powering around four hours of light use, but gaming is more limited to about an hour and a half. You'll need to keep the 330W charger close by, or keep the rig perennially plugged in as a dedicated replacement for one of the best gaming PCs.
MSI Vector 17 HX: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
How much does it cost? $2,299 / £2,399 / AU$3,099
When is it available? It's on sale now
Where can you get it? In the US, UK and Australia
The MSI Vector 17 HX is available from $2,299 / £2,399 / AU$3,099 for the RTX 4070 model. The peppier version sporting the more powerful RTX 4080 GPU is available for $2,799 / £2,899 / AU$3,399. That positions this gaming laptop in the upper mid-range, pitting it against weighty competition from premium manufacturers.
Price-wise, that's a similar entry point to the Razer Blade 16 and the HP Omen 17 which are far from the cheapest options on the market. With its high asking price, the MSI Vector 17 HX is considerably pricier than other 17-inch RTX 4070 gaming laptops such as the Asus ROG Strix G17, MSI Sword 17 HX, and the Acer Nitro 17. It's not the cheapest RTX 4070 laptop, that's for sure.
Price: 3 / 5
MSI Vector 17 HX: Specs
Here are the specs for the MSI Vector 17 HX at a glance.
MSI Vector 17 HX: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Bulky plastic chassis
Large and fast display
Weighty at 6.6lbs / 3kg
In terms of its build, the MSI Vector 17 HX is on the bulkier side even as far as mid-range laptops go. It's a deliberate and old-fashioned design with its plastic construction and thick-angled hinges that won't be for everyone, but it's at least distinct. You won't find a carefully machine-crafted aluminum chassis here, but it's serviceable enough.
You'll feel the weight of this gaming laptop at 6.6lbs / 3kg, as the MSI Vector 17 HX is a touch heavier than some of the other 17-inch models we already mentioned above. It's still sleek enough to be portable, but its display size and heft may not be ideal if you're thinking of something for everyday use at work or school.
Our review unit had a QHD+ resolution (2,560 x 1,600) screen at 240Hz, however, some variants may feature a 165Hz Full HD display depending on configuration and asking price. There's no support for HDR here, which is a shame, and the screen has a peak brightness of 500 nits; by no means the brightest or most vivid display, but it's good enough for gaming, and fast enough, certainly.
The keyboard on the Vector 17 HX is colorful and full of personality with its multi-zone RGB lightning and decals on each key, even if it doesn't offer the best typing experience. This extends to the trackpad as well - while functional, it feels a little cheap, but you'll likely be using one of the best gaming mice instead, so it's not too big a deal.
A high point is the excellent port selection. You'll find a total of three USB-C ports, two USB 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. They're spread out on both sides and the back of the machine, so you should be fully catered for when using this gaming laptop as a full-on desktop replacement, hooked up to the best gaming keyboard and best gaming monitor.
Design: 3 / 5
MSI Vector 17 HX: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
The performance of the MSI Vector 17 HX is solid thanks to the excellent Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU combined with the respectable RTX 4070, but it's actually the GPU which will be your biggest bottleneck. That's because Nvidia's mobile mid-range graphics card only features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit memory bus.
MSI Vector 17 HX benchmarks
Here's how the MSI Vector 17 HX performed in our suite of industry-standard benchmarks and game tests.
Geekbench 6:
Single - 2,915
Multi - 17,669 3DMark:
Night Raid - 71,732
Fire Strike - 27,029
Time Spy - 12,850
Port Royal - 7,471 PCMark 10: 8,180 Cyberpunk 2077:
1080p - 132fps (Low) ; 86fps (Ultra)
1440p - 102fps (Low) ; 72fps (Ultra)
RT Ultra - 75fps (1080p) ; 73fps (1440p)
Total War: Three Kingdoms:
1080p - 334fps Low ; 96fps Ultra
1440p - 221fps Low ; 59fps Ultra Red Dead Redemption II:
1080p -162fps (Low) ; 88fps (Ultra)
1440p - 121fps (Low) ; 67fps (Ultra) CrystalDiskMark:
Read: 7,024MB/s
Write: 5,203MB/s Cinebench R24:
Single-core - 2,100
Multi-core - 27,484 TechRadar Battery Test: 1 hour 38 minutes
1080p appears to be the sweet spot for this particular variant of the MSI Vector 17 HX, as seen with the gaming benchmarks. Specifically with GPU-heavy games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, you're getting nowhere near the 240Hz refresh rate unless you drop down to Full HD.
This is reflected in the benchmarks for Total War: Three Kingdoms, a CPU-heavy title, which can exceed the maximum refresh rate with the graphical settings reduced. Ray tracing is possible, but won't quite excel in the way that a mobile RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 can (with 12GB and 16GB GDDR6 VRAM respectively). In Cyberpunk 2077 at RT Ultra, you're getting around 70 to 80fps here.
The 13th-gen Core i9 is a powerhouse CPU and this is evident in the stress-testing conducted. Geekbench 6 delivers confident scores of 2,720 and 17,308 for single-core and multi-core respectively, with Cinebench R23 providing superb results of 1,941 and 25,624 respectively. There's nothing this processor won't be able to do, and it offers a whole load of grunt, despite lacking a dedicated NPU (as seen with its Meteor Lake successor).
The Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD inside of the MSI Vector 17 HX is excellent. Despite this tech being replaced by Gen 5.0 models, you won't need anything faster than the tested sequential rates of 6,442MB/s reads and 4,873MB/s writes respectively. Modern PC games are starting to utilize the DirectStorage API for near-instant loading times and ultra textures. Interestingly, there's a Gen 5.0 port available for even faster storage.
The screen natively supports 1600p resolution with its 16:10 aspect ratio, and while you shouldn't experience frame rate drops that are too jarring, you'll need to be mindful of the limitations of the RTX 4070's VRAM. Even 8GB for the desktop version is starting to struggle nowadays in this resolution, and that uses far faster GDDR6X memory. We recommend utilizing Nvidia DLSS 3 Frame Generation where possible for a boost.
Performance: 4 / 5
MSI Vector 17 HX: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Lasts around four hours with media playback and browsing
Can game for around an hour and a half on battery
The MSI Vector 17 HX features a four-cell 90Wh battery which is average-sized given the 17-inch chassis of this gaming laptop. In practice, you can expect up to four hours of web browsing and media playback when prioritizing efficiency over performance. You'll need to keep the charging cable handy if you're planning on working all day or enjoying a few longer movies back to back, though.
Gaming on battery power is expectedly poor. We got around an hour and a half from a full charge with Cyberpunk 2077. The mobile RTX 4070 has a TDP of 115W, making it more power-efficient than more powerful discrete graphics, but the battery is still a major concern. It's not a problem unique to the MSI Vector 17 HX, but it's worth noting all the same.
Fortunately, the power cable connects at the back of the device instead of the side, delivering a constant feed of 330W. We'd recommend using a dedicated laptop riser on your gaming desk and doing a little cable management to be more comfortable. As something to carry around with you every day, this machine isn't up to the task, but that's the cost of performance like this.
Battery: 2 / 5
Should you buy the MSI Vector 17 HX?
Buy it if...
You want a big-screen gaming laptop
The MSI Vector 17 HX has a sharp screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It may not be the brightest or most vivid display on the market, but its size and fast refresh rate make it worthwhile.
You want a notebook that's a powerful performer
The MSI Vector 17 HX packs in some beefy components including a powerful CPU and a seriously impressive SSD, alongside a solid choice of GPU.
You want a gaming laptop that excels in 1080p
The RTX 4070M features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM which is ideal for speedy frame rates in Full HD and indeed FHD+ (1200p resolution) for the 16:10 aspect ratio.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best value for money
Simply put, the MSI Vector 17 HX is on the expensive side for an RTX 4070-powered gaming laptop, and you can save a bundle by opting for a competitor instead.
You want a gaming laptop that motors in 1440p
While this machine's native 1600p screen is impressive in some ways, it's held back by the more limited VRAM of the RTX 4070M, which means it can't quite hit the frame rates we'd like to see at 1440p (or 1600p, of course).
MSI Vector 17 HX: Also consider
HP Omen 16
The HP Omen 16 is more affordable than the MSI Vector 17 HX, offering a similar level of performance, albeit in a slightly more compact 16-inch form factor, and with a slower display.
Jetpac is a Singapore-based eSIM provider that aims to simplify global connectivity for travelers. Founded in 2022, the company offers data plans covering over 100 countries, making it an attractive option for frequent jet-setters looking to avoid the hassle of physical SIM cards.
Jetpac has quickly gained popularity thanks to its extensive coverage, which includes many of the world's top travel destinations. The provider's eSIM plans cater to various needs, with regional and global options available. Customers praise Jetpac for its affordable pricing, reliable service, and user-friendly app.
In our experience, Jetpac delivered on its promises, providing fast and consistent data speeds across multiple countries. The eSIM was easy to set up and use, while the complimentary airport lounge access for delayed flights was a nice perk. Overall, Jetpac is a compelling choice for travelers seeking a convenient and cost-effective roaming solution.
Jetpac: Plans and pricing
Jetpac offers a range of affordable eSIM plans for travelers, with options for local, regional, and global coverage. Plans are typically available in 4 to 30-day durations, and data allowances range from 1GB to 40GB or more. Here are 5 of Jetpac's most popular plans:
With its extensive coverage and unique perks like SmartDelay lounge access, Jetpac is an attractive choice for frequent travelers looking for a reliable and cost-effective eSIM solution.
Jetpac: Features
(Image credit: Jetpac)
Jetpac offers several unique features that set it apart from other eSIM providers, including plans with no data throttling, hotspot capabilities, and complimentary airport lounge access.
SmartDelay Lounge Access
One of Jetpac's most notable features is SmartDelay, which provides complimentary airport lounge access in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. By registering your flight with Jetpac, you can enjoy the comfort of a lounge during unexpected delays, accommodating up to five travel companions.
No Data Throttling
Unlike some eSIM providers, Jetpac does not throttle data speeds. This means you can use your full data allowance at the highest available speeds, ensuring a seamless browsing and streaming experience while traveling abroad.
Hotspot Capability
Jetpac allows you to hotspot your eSIM to other devices, enabling you to share your data connection with laptops, tablets, or travel companions' devices. This feature adds flexibility and convenience, particularly for those working remotely or traveling in groups.
Jetpac: Installation
(Image credit: Jetpac)
Setting up and using a Jetpac eSIM is a straightforward process. The company provides a user-friendly app that guides you through the installation and activation steps, making the onboarding experience smooth and hassle-free.
To configure your eSIM for first-time usage, simply scan the QR code provided in the app or via email after purchasing your Jetpac plan. This will automatically download and install the eSIM on your compatible device. Ensure that you enable data roaming in your phone settings to allow the eSIM to connect to a network when you're abroad after installation.
Jetpac offers ample resources for new users, including detailed instructions within the app and on their website. Its customer support team is also readily available to assist with any questions or issues you may encounter during the setup process.
One important thing for new users to keep in mind is that your device must be unlocked and eSIM-compatible to use Jetpac. Additionally, while the eSIM itself can be downloaded and installed before your trip, the data plan will only activate once you start using data roaming in a supported country.
Jetpac: Coverage and speed
Jetpac offers eSIM coverage in over 100 countries worldwide, including many top travel destinations. The provider partners with reliable local networks to ensure fast and consistent data speeds for users.
Some of the countries where Jetpac eSIMs are available include:
United States
United Kingdom
Japan
Australia
Thailand
France
Users report fast 4G/LTE and even 5G speeds in supported locations, allowing for smooth browsing, streaming, and app usage. The provider's extensive coverage and partnerships with reputable local carriers contribute to its reliable performance.
When compared to other eSIM providers, Jetpac holds its own. While some competitors may offer slightly faster speeds or coverage in specific countries, Jetpac's overall coverage, speed, and affordability make it a strong contender in the eSIM market.
Jetpac: Support
(Image credit: Jetpac)
Jetpac offers multiple support channels to ensure users can get assistance whenever needed. Customers can reach out via email at support@jetpacglobal.com or through WhatsApp at +1 (815) 853-8722 for immediate support. The company also provides an in-app live chat feature for quick and easy access to customer service.
User reviews across the web consistently praise Jetpac's customer support. Customers highlight the fast response times, with some mentioning receiving help within 28 minutes. Even when faced with technical issues, users report positive experiences with Jetpac's support team, who diligently work to resolve problems until a solution is found.
It's worth noting that Jetpac's customer support is available 24/7 across various digital channels. This commitment to round-the-clock assistance ensures that users can get help regardless of their location or time zone, providing peace of mind for travelers visiting multiple destinations.
Jetpac: Final verdict
Jetpac is a promising new player in the eSIM market, offering competitive pricing, extensive coverage in over 100 countries, and unique perks like complimentary lounge access during flight delays. The eSIM is easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly app for managing data and account details.
Customer reviews across multiple countries demonstrate that Jetpac delivers reliable and high-speed connectivity, making it an attractive choice for frequent travelers.
While it may not offer the absolute fastest speeds or most comprehensive coverage compared to some competitors, Jetpac's overall performance and value proposition are strong.
Jetpac: FAQs
Is Jetpac eSIM reliable?
Yes, Jetpac eSIM is reliable based on user reviews and real-world tests. Customers report fast and consistent data speeds in the 100+ countries where Jetpac has coverage, thanks to partnerships with reputable local carriers. In side-by-side comparisons, Jetpac delivered LTE/4G and even 5G speeds comparable to local SIM cards in supported locations. While some remote areas may have coverage gaps, overall Jetpac provides a dependable connection for travelers.
How to activate Jetpac eSIM?
Activating your Jetpac eSIM is a simple process:
Purchase a Jetpac eSIM plan through their website or mobile app.
You will receive an eSIM activation QR code via email after purchase.
Scan the QR code to download and install the eSIM on your compatible device.
Enable data roaming in your phone settings.
The eSIM will automatically activate once you start using data overseas in a supported country.
Even if you don't activate the eSIM right away, you can still download it in advance and activate it later when you travel.
How to cancel Circles Life Jetpac?
To cancel your Circles Life Jetpac subscription:
Open the Circles.Life mobile app.
Navigate to your Jetpac subscription settings.
Choose the "Unsubscribe" or "Terminate subscription" option.
Confirm the cancellation.
There are no penalties or extra costs for canceling, and you can continue using Jetpac until the end of your current 30-day billing cycle. However, any accumulated rollover data and travel credits will be forfeited once the subscription ends.
Alternatively, you can contact Circles.Life customer support to submit a termination request. Just be sure to get a confirmation email that your subscription has been successfully canceled.
If you’re in the market for a new dash cam and want 4K video on a two-digit budget, the Miofive S1 is for you. In a world where budget 4K options frequently fail to deliver, this dash cam produces surprisingly good results, with great sharpness, decent color reproduction and very little grainy noise, even at night.
Miofive S1 price and availability
The Miofive S1 dash cam is available now. It carries a US retail price of $119.99 but at the time of writing (June 2024) it is reduced to just $79.99, making it feel like excellent value for money. It is priced at £79.99 in the UK and is available both from Amazon or directly from Miofive itself. The package includes the dash cam itself, plus a pair of USB cables (one for power in your car, one for transferring footage to your computer), a windscreen mount and a pry tool for tucking the cable between interior panels. A microSD card is not included.
Pair the S1’s video quality with good hardware, a nice design and a 3in screen, and you’re onto a winner. There’s even GPS for adding speed information to your recordings, plus 5GHz Wi-Fi makes for speedy video transfers between the camera and your smartphone, via the Miofive app.
This dash cam is easy to install, set up and use. It’s also discreetly designed and even has a handful of AI-powered functions that some buyers might find useful (or can easily be disabled). I wish the windscreen mount were of higher quality, but this is a small criticism of what is otherwise an excellent 4K dash cam at a great price.
(Image credit: Future)
Miofive S1: Design
For a dash cam with a 3in display, the Miofive S1 is impressively compact. It also has a textured finish around its outside edges, and the panel housing the protruding camera lens is reminiscent of carbon fiber. This might not appeal to everyone, but I think it adds a nice bit of contrast that makes the hardware look and feel more premium than the price tag suggests.
There’s a prominent power button on the top edge of the dash cam, and four more buttons to the right of the screen that are used to navigate the menu system, since the display is not touch sensitive. Lastly, the left side is home to a microSD card slot (no card is included in the box, however), and a port for connecting an optional rear camera.
A windscreen mount is included in the box. This slides into a cold shoe-style connection on the top of the device, then slides onto a mounting plate, which sticks to the screen with an adhesive pad. Miofive includes a pair of windscreen stickers in the box, which make it easy to remove the dash cam mount if you change cars or no longer want it installed. The windscreen mount works fairly well and offers a good amount of vertical and horizontal adjustability, but isn’t of the highest quality, with some sharp edges to the plastic components.
(Image credit: Future)
Another small criticism I have is with how the horizontal adjustment of the windscreen mount cannot be locked into place. The vertical adjustment can, thanks to an integrated screw that can be tightened to stop the camera moving up or down, but it’s free to move left or right. This tends not to happen while driving, but could potentially be knocked out of place.
The S1 is powered via a USB-C cable and 12V plug adaptor. These are both included in the box, along with a much shorter USB-C to USB-A cable for transferring recordings to your computer. Alternatively, footage can be sent via 5GHz Wi-Fi to the Miofive smartphone app. Each one-minute, circa-250 MB file takes around 20 to 30 seconds to transfer to the phone.
Installing the Miofive S1 is nice and easy. Simply attach the windscreen mount to the camera, then apply one of the windscreen stickers to your car and stick the mount to that using the integrated adhesive pad. You can use the live view function of the smartphone app to make sure the camera has the right view before sticking it into place.
(Image credit: Future)
Miofive S1: Performance
All too often, budget 4K dash cams struggle to live up to their high-resolution promise. Not so, the Miofive S1. I was mightily impressed with the video quality, which packed plenty of detail and none of the grainy noise low-priced dash cams often suffer with.
If you don’t want to record in 4K, the options of 2K (2560 x 1440) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) are also available, but all three shoot at 30 frames per second. I’d liked to have seen a 60 or even 120 fps option for the lower resolutions, as the smoother video this creates can sometimes look better than 4K shot at a lower frame rate. Unfortunately the Miofive S1 doesn’t support this, so you’re best sticking at 4K and buying a large-capacity microSD card, since each one-minute segment of video weighs in at about 250 MB.
All that said, 4K with HDR at 30 fps is still smooth enough for this use case, and there’s lots of detail in every recording. Key bits of potential evidence like vehicle registration plates, traffic lights and street signs are all clear and legible. Colors are a little flat, especially on overcast days, and the S1 lacks the high-quality sparkle of pricier systems, like the Nextbase iQ and Viofo A229 Pro, but for dash cam recordings this isn’t really a problem, especially when you consider the price of the Miofive. Similarly, the 140-degree lens isn’t as wide as some rivals, but it still did an acceptable job of recording the full width of my car.
For well under £100 (and under $100, too, at the time of writing), this really is a very good dash cam. It’s quick and easy to set up, and while the app asks you to create an account this isn’t actually necessary. You can set up the dash cam, connect it to your smartphone, download and install the latest firmware, then tweak its settings and transfer video files, all without going through the effort of making an account first. For that alone, Miofive should be applauded.
(Image credit: Future)
Like other dash cams, the S1 starts recording right after you switch on the vehicle ignition. It then saves footage as files that are each one minute long, until the memory card is full. The files are then gradually overwritten, starting with the oldest first. If it detects a collision, the footage recorded at that moment is saved to a separate, secure folder that is not overwritten.
The camera automatically overlays footage with the time and date, as well as the vehicle speed (calculated using the dash cam’s integrated GPS antenna), and the local timezone. The display is a bit cluttered during recording, but it switches off after about a minute and is no longer a distraction. Handily, a little voice message plays when the screen goes off, stating how the dash cam “continues to serve”. It’s a strange bit of translation, but a handy way of reassuring the driver that it's still recording.
Other features include a parking mode that springs into life when a collision is detected while the car is switched off, but this requires the hardwiring cable sold separately.
Nighttime footage is less sharp, but still impressive for a dash cam at this price point. There’s a good amount of light after sunset and very little grain. Vehicles, road markings and pedestrians are easy to spot, but registration plates are tricky to read.
Lastly, the Miofive S1 has a set of so-called AI features. While I doubt many owners will care for the “fatigue driver alarm” or “harsh driving alert”, the “stop and go reminder” can be useful. It issues a discreet beep if the traffic ahead has started moving and you’re not paying attention. I found the default collision sensitivity to be slightly too sensitive – it was occasionally triggered when driving over a pothole – but through the app it’s easy to turn this down.
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Miofive S1 dash cam?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
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How I tested the Miofive S1 dash cam
I installed the dash cam into my own car
I used it for several journeys during both day and night
I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for appraisal
I installed the Miofive S1 in my own car, set it up via the smartphone app and used it for several journeys. I made sure to record footage during the day and night to see how the camera performs in different lighting conditions, and tweaked the settings – like collision sensitivity and the AI functions – to see what difference they made to the ownership experience. I then transferred footage to both my smartphone and computer for a closer look.
